TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Tomato]

Has anyone spoken to RS about when they are going to respond?

 

[QuillandCounsel]

Has anyone spoken to RS about when they are going to respond?

Last year they said they try to respond within a month of the deadline so perhaps we will hear back this week

 

[TCapplicant1005]

Can anyone please share insights about Macfarlanes simulation assessment? What type of questions are asked for the video responses?

 

[siilvert0ngue]

Macfarlanes Job Sim invite!! Completed WG+SJT on Monday.

If anyone has been following my journey, they would know i was absolutely devastated when i was rejected from W&C post-associate interview (and fell off the face of TCLA). feels good to have picked myself up and persevered, hopefully it'll be a good result! any tips, please dm, i can trade for W&C interviews, Moore Barlow, Bevan Brittan, etc.

 

[at1234]

Hi guys I just got the Macfarlanes first test. For those of you who have given it, could you please share any advice on how to go about it. I'm assuming it's an SJT and I always mess those up.

 

[TheHamlet4]

Do firms care about sponsorship whilst applying for open days? I am applying to one and first question they ask is work permit…

 

[cutiewiththecontracts]

Any news on Orrick's DTC? How about Stephenson Harwood?

 

[nicoledm]

know this is an incredibly privileged position to be in but I’ve gotten two amazing training contract offers one is amazing money but also horrible work life balance, one is a good law firm but less so and less money but I think I’d be happier there, lots to think about

 

[CharlieandLola]

know this is an incredibly privileged position to be in but I’ve gotten two amazing training contract offers one is amazing money but also horrible work life balance, one is a good law firm but less so and less money but I think I’d be happier there, lots to think about

I once got told that the reputation of the firm is the most important thing when training as it means you can leave after and it opens more doors. But at the end of the day, if you won’t be happy at the other place then that ‘ll show in the work you produce and connections made. I don’t know if this helps!

 

[Vee77]

BCLP interview

you should give us all tips on how you did it. I saw in a previous post that you have two offers. You are doing amazing

 

[digvijay]

BCLP interview

When did you submit the SJT for BCLP?

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

know this is an incredibly privileged position to be in but I’ve gotten two amazing training contract offers one is amazing money but also horrible work life balance, one is a good law firm but less so and less money but I think I’d be happier there, lots to think about.

Hey!

Firstly, huge congratulations!! That is an amazing position to be in and clearly well earned

I wouldn't feel guilty for finding it difficult just because both options are objectively good - sometimes choosing between two good opportunities can be harder than having one clear option.

I would probably think about questions like: where do you think you'll learn best, who did you click with more, which trainees seemed happier, and which version of your life you'd actually want in 2-3 years' time. As others have mentioned, training at a larger firm with a good reputation can sometimes be more beneficial when perhaps looking to move laterally at NQ level, but it is ultimately down to what your career goals are!

Either way, having two amazing offers means there probably isn't a disastrous choice here either way - it is more about what fits you and your goals best. Congratulations again, and I wish you the best of luck with your decision!

 

[Jaysen]

on a real note if anyone wants any advice, more than happy to give it, made it to 10 ACs rhis cycle and got offers for next interviews/vac schemes etc for all. This is my third cycle and i had no luck for the rest

Love to see your success. Well done you

 

[matbablaw]

PFO from Bakers post VI. There’s one thing I have always been uncertain about Bakers. It’s one of the few firms that doesn’t require or fund the PGDL. I know Bakers has partnered with Barbri to offer the SQE course. For those who also applied for Bakers, were you concerned about having no PGDL? Could someone here kindly enlighten me about the importance of PGDL for a legal career? Would lacking a “proper” law qualification hinder success?

 

[Matt Murdock]

PFO from Bakers post VI. There’s one thing I have always been uncertain about Bakers. It’s one of the few firms that doesn’t require or fund the PGDL. I know Bakers has partnered with Barbri to offer the SQE course. For those who also applied for Bakers, were you concerned about having no PGDL? Could someone here kindly enlighten me about the importance of PGDL for a legal career? Would lacking a “proper” law qualification hinder success?

No, PGDL is not my main concern, i am non law as well, but since SRA no longer mandate students for a formal law degree, it's just optional. I am more worried about firm which can't sponsor visa over those who don't pay for PGDL. I'd rather at firm who use the money for something else like wellbeing or sponsorship for efficiency. Barbri is a good platform, but not for you who never touched the basics of law. You need to be proactive to find resources outside as well, like eg. you can buy/borrow ULaw SQE module books without studying there.

 

[WheresYourUCL]

Loool I am waiting for HFW, K&L and RPC. i have no confidence at this point - also rejected by Wiggin

I am writing my HFW app at the moment. Is it okay to reach out to you about HFW app insights.

 

[WeGotThis!]

Wedlake Bell PFO (post-app)